Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal as Jorge Jesus says he wanted him to stay

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure follows a public breakdown in relations with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Forbes reported that his retirement announcement came a month after a public clash with the coach.

The dispute had already taken him away from the national team. According to L'Équipe, Ronaldo left a Portugal gathering a little more than a month before announcing the end of his international career.

On November 5, Ronaldo announced in an Instagram video that he would no longer play for Portugal, Le Monde reported. He was 41 and had spent 23 years representing the national team.

His final totals were 234 appearances and 146 goals, both world records, according to France24. CBC News reported that his career spanned six World Cups.

The trophies were central to that record. Ronaldo captained Portugal to its first major title at Euro 2016 and helped the team win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, according to Japan Times.

Tributes followed the announcement. On November 5, Soccer News Football reported that the Portuguese football federation had hailed him as the best player of all time.

On November 6, Jesus said he had asked Ronaldo to stay. ESPN FC reported that the coach was disappointed but accepted the captain's decision. Separately, BBC Football reported that Jesus said he had learned of the retirement when everyone else did.

Ronaldo's decision ends his Portugal career, not a stated retirement from all football. France24 identified him as an Al-Nassr forward in its November 6 coverage.

Portugal is now moving into its next selection without him. World News CNA reported on November 6 that Jesus was naming his first squad since the captain's retirement, while the federation pledged to honour Ronaldo.

The main unresolved question is how Ronaldo's farewell will take shape. Al Jazeera reported that the Portuguese FA had promised a celebration, but it remained unclear whether he would agree to a farewell appearance.